Constantine served as a Florida state senator for 10 years before he was term-limited out of the Legislature in 2010. He also served as a state representative from 1993 to 2000.

Constantine joins a crowded field for the commission's District 3 seat. The other candidates include Donald Epps, Kathleen Gallagher McIver and Hugh Harling, all of Altamonte Springs; Kevin Erwin, of Lake Mary; and Van Der Weide, of Longwood. All of the candidates are Republicans.

The qualifying period for candidates for county races will end at noon on Friday, and the primary election is Aug. 14. County commissioners must live within a district but are elected countywide.

If there is no candidate from another party and no write-in candidate joins the race, then all county voters, regardless of party affiliation, will vote for the commission seat Aug. 14.